Wrist Injury Prevention

Follow the doctor's instructions. Most of the time you should follow up with your health care provider if you are not completely better in three to five days, sooner if you become worse or problems develop.

Wrist Injury Prognosis (Outlook)

Most wrist sprains should be better in three to five days. If you have symptoms that last beyond five days, you should see your doctor for reevaluation.

The outcome of a fracture depends on the type of fracture. Ask your doctor about what to expect for your type of fracture.

Wrist Injury and Fracture Pictures

Bones of the wrist: There are two long bones of the forearm (radius on the same side as the thumb and the ulna on the side of the little finger). There are eight small carpal bones that are between the forearm and the bones of the hand. Photo courtesy of Edmond A. Hooker, MD, FAAEM

Anatomical snuffbox (see arrow): Under this area lies the scaphoid bone that is commonly broken, but the break may not show up on the initial X-rays. Photo courtesy of Edmond A. Hooker, MD, FAAEM